WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the presidential race four months before voters go to the polls. 

 

The president on Sunday afternoon released a statement confirming his withdrawal and throwing his support to Vice President Kamala Harris. 

 

He said he would address the nation later this week about his decision.

 

Massachusetts had gone strong for Biden in 2020 when he won the state's primary over local pols U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders and took two-thirds of the vote in the general election. 

 

But he has apparently bowed to pressure after the constant drumbeat in the press over the 81-year-old president's capabilities after a poor debate performance, and public questioning over his ability to win by congressional Democrats.

 

Polls this week found 2 in 3 Bay State voters wished for him to step aside. 

 

"President Biden's decision today not to seek re-election is the ultimate example of putting the country first — something Joe Biden has done over and over again in his unparalleled career. We are all deeply grateful to President Biden for his lifetime of service," said Gov. Maura Healey in a statement. 

 

Healey said Biden had to "carefully evaluate" his campaign after his meeting with governors earlier this month. 

Warren sent out a statement saying she endorses Harris for president.

"She is a proven fighter who has been a national leader in safeguarding consumers and protecting access to abortion. As a former prosecutor, she can press a forceful case against allowing Donald Trump to regain the White House," Warren wrote. "We have many talented people in our party, but Vice President Harris is the person who was chosen by the voters to succeed Joe Biden if needed. She can unite our party, take on Donald Trump, and win in November."

What's not clear is what happens next. The Democratic Convention is set for Aug. 19 in Chicago — raising the specter of the chaotic 1968 convention. 

 

President Lyndon Johnson had dropped out during the primaries and thrown his support to his vice president, Hubert Humphry, who did not compete in any primaries. He was expected to be challenged at the convention by Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated on June 5.

 

The party was riven over the war in Vietnam and failed to coalesce around Humphry, who was beaten by Richard Nixon that November.

 

This year's convention won't be quite the same, but war, divisions, a vice presidential heir apparent and, oddly, RFK, will again be among the topics.